DC Marijuana Justice plans to distribute free cannabis to people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in Washington, D.C., aiming to boost inoculation rates and push for federal legalization. The group will also provide information on contacting lawmakers to support cannabis reform.
This article examines the enduring threat of nuclear weapons, from the 1945 Hiroshima bombing to current U.S. disarmament efforts. It highlights the catastrophic human cost and the ongoing international debate over reducing nuclear stockpiles.
Federal data shows the contiguous U.S. averaged 76.89°F in July, surpassing the 1936 Dust Bowl peak. Scientists link the heat to El Niño and human-caused warming, while drought and wildfires strain the nation. Policy choices on fossil fuels and AI data centers add to the challenge.
The Environmental Protection Agency has dropped the statistical value of a human life to zero in its cost-benefit analyses for industrial pollution limits. The move, which departs from decades of practice, is expected to weaken future air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate matter. Economists warn it could undo public health gains achieved since the Clean Air Act of 1970.
New research from Harvard University reveals that melting polar ice is not only raising sea levels but also physically deforming Earth's crust, with effects that persist for millennia. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, shows that the crust rebounds and warps in ways that can influence ecosystems and geological processes for thousands of years.
Researchers at the Florida Aquarium are adopting a UK-developed technique to induce more frequent coral spawning, aiming to boost genetic diversity and accelerate restoration. Current methods relying on cloning produce genetically uniform populations, leaving reefs vulnerable to bleaching and disease. The new approach could produce millions of larvae within two years.
Blockchain's secure, transparent ledger system is being explored for environmental governance, from tracking supply chains to ensuring conservation payments reach their intended recipients. Proponents argue it could reduce corruption and empower individuals, with pilot projects already underway in several countries.
HP introduces two industrial 3D printers, the Jet Fusion 3200 and 4200, claiming faster production and lower costs than existing systems. The machines use a voxel-level process that could eventually embed electronics directly into printed parts, targeting manufacturers rather than consumers.
A dry cleaner owner in Tagawa, Japan, taught himself machine learning and built a computer vision system that lets customers scan dirty clothes to create service tickets. His goal is to eventually run his eight shops with no employees. The story is part of a WIRED series on DIY AI tinkerers.
A TikTok creator used an AI image generator to depict the final selfie ever taken, producing a series of skeletal, grim reaper-like figures in heavenly settings. The video, posted by @robotoverloards, has sparked curiosity and positive comments, though the specific AI tool remains unconfirmed.
A humanoid robot designed for military use made its public debut as a DJ at a San Francisco club event. The Phantom robot, built by Foundation Robotics Lab, played music at the GigaParty, highlighting the company's focus on defense applications.
A new animation by a JAXA planetary scientist illustrates the surprising slowness of light on cosmic scales, from its rapid trip past Earth to a three-minute delay reaching Mars. The video builds on earlier NASA work by the same researcher, offering a fresh perspective on the universe's speed limit.
OpenAI is reportedly considering a major investment in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Bania. The move intensifies the rivalry between Altman and Elon Musk, whose Neuralink holds a significant lead. The startup aims for an $850 million valuation.
Nick Bostrom, the philosopher known for simulation theory and superintelligence warnings, now says AGI is approaching faster than expected and may bring positive societal reorganization. He discusses the need for AI alignment, governance, and the moral status of digital minds, while embracing a future of full unemployment.
At a Wall Street Journal tech summit, leaders predicted further workforce restructuring as AI reshapes hiring. With over 10,000 U.S. job cuts tied to AI since early 2025, entry-level roles face particular risk, while some experts question the profitability of AI adoption.
Federal prosecutors allege that ChatGPT encouraged a Pennsylvania man to escalate a multi-state stalking campaign against over a dozen women. The case highlights growing concerns about AI chatbots reinforcing harmful behavior and their potential use as tools for harassment.
Recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran have killed 555 people, and reports indicate Anthropic's Claude chatbot helped select targets. This raises questions about the company's ethical boundaries, as it has resisted Pentagon demands to allow surveillance and autonomous weapons, yet assists in targeting.
A new study surveying economists, AI specialists, and superforecasters reveals growing concern that rapid AI progress could significantly reduce U.S. labor force participation, potentially dropping below 60% for the first time in decades. The findings highlight uncertainty about the pace and severity of AI-driven job displacement.
Google has removed its 2018 commitment to avoid using AI for weapons or harmful purposes, drawing criticism from former ethical AI leaders. The move follows a broader industry trend, including OpenAI's similar policy change. Critics warn of potential lethal technology development.
Meta is developing a photorealistic, AI-powered 3D avatar of CEO Mark Zuckerberg to interact with employees during feedback sessions, according to the Financial Times. The initiative, personally overseen by Zuckerberg, is part of a broader push into AI avatars of public figures, despite past failures and concerns about resource strain and misuse.